Rossi keeps his title hopes alive

Motor Cycling: Valentino Rossi kept alive the defence of his MotoGP title with a battling victory in the German Grand Prix yesterday.

The Italian surged through the field from his qualifying position of 11th for a second straight win at the twisting Sachsenring circuit, holding off a stiff challenge from compatriot Marco Melandri to win by 0.145 seconds.

Rossi becomes the first rider to pass 3,000 points in all categories. American Nicky Hayden completed the podium and maintained his lead in the overall championship with 169 points.

Spain's Dani Pedrosa, fourth yesterday after starting from pole, slipped to third in the championship race on 140 points behind Rossi who has 143.

"I was able to get off to a great start and immediately got among the leaders," Rossi said. "It was a real battle, especially with Marco at the end." The seven-times world champion in all classes is seeking his sixth consecutive 500cc title. On the 10 previous occasions he had qualified outside the top 10, Rossi had taken four podiums and one victory. At the British Grand Prix on July 2nd, he started in 12th and battled through to second despite the pain of hand and ankle injuries.

"It was an incredible race," Melandri said yesterday. The Honda rider had also locked horns with Rossi in the battle for second place at Donington Park.

"I tried my hardest but he was very, very quick and closed all the doors. But if I fight like that every Sunday I'm sure I can win again this season."

The Sachsenring offers spectators impressive views but its contrasting fast and slow sections and predominantly left-hand curves present a challenge to riders and puts a major strain on their tyres.

American Kenny Roberts lost control of his machine at a corner on lap 13, sliding into Makoto Tamada of Japan and taking both riders out of the battle for the lead.

Australian rookie Casey Stoner missed the race after he crashed his Honda in the warm-up. The 20-year-old, who is sixth in the championship standings, suffered concussion and bruising to his hands and was taken to hospital.

There are seven races left this season, with riders next week heading to Laguna Seca in California.